A New Buyer's Guide to Motorcycles

In recent days, the perspective of owning a motorcycle is more than just a form of transportation. For many, they're an expression of fun and freedom. These days, more and more people are becoming enthusiasts, even into middle age or after retirement. The image of the traditional biker has changed, bigtime! If you're interested in buying a bike but don't know where to start, keep reading. In this article you will be introduced to different types of motorcycles, tips for buying smart, and staying safe.

First, let's take a look at the different types of bikes out there. When most people think of the motorcycle, they think of Harley Davidson. Harley Davidsons are known as cruisers -- big, heavy bikes that look amazing on the road. Then there are touring bikes, which are designed for riders traveling long distances. On a touring bike, there is room for plenty of luggage. A modification of the touring bike is the sport touring bike. These are easier to handle, but don't feature as much room to store your stuff. Sport bikes are light and fast, made for speed and recommended for very experienced riders. Want to go off road? Then you'll need an off-road bike. These types of cycles feature big tires with lots of traction and while they're not made for street use, they're perfect for riding off the beaten trail.

There are many places where you can purchase the bike of your dreams. If you want a new bike, then you'll probably end up going to a traditional dealership. Make sure you have some idea of what you're looking for, and have a budget established as well. You can often find great financing plans and different purchase options if you can't pay cash up front. Before buying anything, make sure you understand all the specifications and take a short test drive. You don't want to be stuck with a bike that doesn't feel right. Also, be sure that you understand any and all warranty information before making a purchase.

Your other option is to look for motorcycles being sold by owners. This is a less safe way to purchase, because unless you're a specialist it will be hard to tell if there is anything wrong with the bike. While a used bike is most always going to cost less than a new one, there often isn't any warranty to protect you. If you can, take along someone who knows a lot about bikes if you plan to look at used ones.

Copyright 2006 Jim Sterling - All Rights Reserved

BMW Motorcycles R1200RT


Motorcycle News:
How Kawasaki Motorcycles Is Using Social Media to Get Ahead [VIDEO]
Motorcycles may be sexy, but the industry is crowded with fierce competitors like Yamaha, Suzuki, KTM and Honda. How did Kawasaki, a relatively small brand, race to the front of the pack? Answer: Social media...


Motorcycle sales reach 8m, fail to meet target - Jakarta Post

Motorcycle sales reach 8m, fail to meet target
Jakarta Post
Sales of motorcycles, a key indicator of consumption in Southeast Asia's largest economy, expanded by 8.65 percent to reach 8.04 million units last year but failed to meet the expectations of the Indonesian Motorcycle Industry Association (AISI).

..


2 dead, 2 injured after three motorcycles collide with cement truck in New Richmond
Fatal crash between motorcycles and cement truck in New Richmond on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012. NEW RICHMOND, Ohio - Two people are dead and two others are injured following a fiery crash involving three motorcycles and a cement truck in New Richmond Tuesday afternoon...


Bajaj Auto plans bigger Pulsar & KTM motorcycle models to take on rivals Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki
Bajaj aims to position the Pulsar in the value-for-money sports bike segment and Austrian partner KTM's..


Chief Elaborates On Motorcycle Plan - Patch.com

Chief Elaborates On Motorcycle Plan
Patch.com
1 to have $50 donated to a fund for a new police motorcycle. By William Laforme With this in mind, Lynnfield Police Chief David Breen wanted to add a couple of comments about the plan, specifically with an eye on a couple of concerns that were raised .

..


Trevitt Joins Inside
One of Canadas best known motorcycle racers and journalists has come home, as former road race champion Andrew Trevitt has joined the roster of Inside..


17-year-old to be tried as adult in slashing
A Clarksville man with a pending burglary charge added theft charges to the list Wednesday when he was charged with stealing three..


Public can speak on motorcycle noise bill
NORTH HAMPTON EUR” Excessive noise coming from..


THAI POLICE DETAIN TWO MALAYSIANS OVER THEFT OF MOTORCYCLES
SADAO (Southern Thailand), Feb 3 (Bernama) -- Thai police have crippled aMalaysia-based syndicate which stole motorcycles for sale in the Thai market.Two Malaysians have been detained to facilitate investigations.The suspects, aged 17 and 26, were picked up on Dec 7, at their rented housein Ban Khlong Hai Kong here.Kedah police deputy chief Datuk Abdul Ghafar Abdul Rejab said the suspectswere ...


Harley subsidiary issues $400 million in notes - Central Penn Business Journal

Harley subsidiary issues $400 million in notes
Central Penn Business Journal
By Brent Burkey Milwaukee-based motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson Inc.'s financial services subsidiary has sold $400 million in 2.7 percent, medium-term notes due in 2017, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Harley Davidson to launch the Fat Bob in India during end 2012: First on ICB!Indian Cars Bikes

all 2 news articles »
..


Harley-Davidson unveils Seventy-Two and Softail Slim
Cook's Corner, in Orange County, has long been a haven for area motorcyclists. But the legendary Trabuco Canyon roadhouse was more jammed than usual Wednesday. Scores of bikers had gathered to get a glimpse of two new..


Pike Pulse Report: Electric Motorcycles and Scooters
NEW YORK, Jan. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue: Pike Pulse Report: Electric Motorcycles and Scooters http://www.reportlinker.com/p0765008/Pike-Pulse-Report-Electric-Motorcycles-and-Scooters.html#utm_source=prnewswire&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=MotorcycleAssessment ...


IMPORTANT: Bing News RSS feed has moved!
Go to the new RSS page and renew your subscription.
..


NavStar Technologies Reports Significant Growth in PowerSports Market Segment for 2011
Dave McMahon, senior editor, Powersports Business, reported that the PowerSports market segment reversed a 5 year downward trend in 2011 and reported positive growth led by dual sport..


Technorati Tags: , ,